Author(s): David Bergin Greg Steward

NZ Non Fiction

New Zealand Indigenous Tree Bulletin no. 2. Kauri (Agathis australis (D. Don) Lindl.) is a warm-temperate species that is dominant in the natural rain forests of the northern part of New Zealand. It can live for 1000 years or more and is probably New Zealand's best-known native tree. Massive individuals are regarded as national taonga. Kauri forests had cultural significance for early Maori who used the timber for making waka aua (seagoing canoes) and for the construction of whare (buildings). During the early period of European settlement most kauri forest was logged, cleared for farming, or destroyed by fires. From the mid-19th to early 20th centuries, kauri was an important component of the developing New Zealand economy, but the small remaining areas of mature forest are now reserves, most of them managed by the Department of Consevation. In many areas where native forest was cleared, young kauri stands are regenerating. This bulletin provides information for anyone wishing to manage kauri forest for timber production, conservation and amenity value.